INSIDE VIEW FROM BLUE

Blue: How long have you been a resident of South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Gallup: I’ve lived in the area since 1989.

Blue: Where did you move from? What made you want to live here?
Gallup: From 1988 to 1989, I was working as a waiter for American Hawaii Cruises in Honolulu HI aboard the SS Independence and SS Constitution. I came to Tahoe in the winter of 1989 to ski. I ran out of money and had to start working. I worked for Heavenly Ski School ticket sales but soon became a waiter on the Tahoe Queen and fell in love with the boat, which eventually led to me pursuing my captain’s license.

Blue: What all does Zephyr Cove Marina have to offer?
Gallup: First you have a mile of some of the most beautiful beach at the lake. You can rent a boat or a wave runner. We have a brand new 31 foot 14 passenger parasail boat that can take you up to 1200 feet over the lake. You can visit the Beach Bar and Grill or Zephyr Cove Restaurant. If it’s Volleyball you like, try one of our two sandy beach courts. Zephyr Cove is also one of the best venues for weddings, and I can testify to that because I was married there almost six years ago.

Blue: How did you get involved with the boating industry? How long have you been a Port Captain for Lake Tahoe Cruises?
Gallup: I have been working on boats most of my adult life. I became a Captain in late 1996. I have been the Port Captain for about seven years.

Blue: The Tahoe Queen turns 25 this year; what is being done to celebrate this momentous occasion?
Gallup: The newly renovated Tahoe Queen will make its debut on Sunday, June 22 for the 4th Annual Opening Days Lake Tahoe with a re-commissioning ceremony at 9am, followed by the Great Sternwheeler Race when she will go head to head with her sister ship, the MS Dixie II. Tickets are only $25 and include a first row seat to this annual "Battle of the Paddle," and a champagne brunch. The bow-to-stern renovation will result in a luxury saloon style look and feel and will incorporate new dining options and entertainment.

Blue: The official kick-off to the summer season in South Shore is Opening Days Lake Tahoe, and each year the M.S. Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen race in the Great Lake Tahoe Sternwheeler Race. Which boat will you be captain for and what do you think your chances of winning are?
Gallup: I will be on the Tahoe Queen. I have a 100% chance of being in first or second place!

Blue: As part of Opening Days, Zephyr Cove Marina is involved with the parasailing competition, correct?
Gallup: Yes, this year should be just as much fun and exciting as last year's competition.

Blue: Have you had anyone famous ride one of the boats while you were chartering it?
Gallup: Several famous people have chartered and been on our boats. The first to come to mind would be Ron Claiborne from Good Morning America. He was in Tahoe doing a story on his “Favorite Place” in the world to vacation. We were fortunate enough to be part of the story.

Blue: Can you share one of your most memorable stories of a guest riding on your boat?
Gallup: With 18 years on the boat, I have plenty of sea stories; I’m not sure which ones are true anymore.

Blue: How else do you spend your time in South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Gallup: After work I like to spend a little time with the family and the BBQ. Occasionally I’ll find myself back out on the lake in a pleasure boat.

Blue: What is your favorite activity to do in winter around South Shore Lake Tahoe? What is your favorite activity to do in the summer?
Gallup: Contrary to my wife’s beliefs, snow shoveling is not my favorite winter activity. I prefer skiing at Heavenly or snowmobiling with Zephyr Cove snowmobiles. In the summer I spend most of my time in, near or around the lake including boating, scuba diving, jet skiing etc.

Blue: Do you have a favorite dining spot?
Gallup: There are too many favorite dining spots to choose just one, including of course the Dinner Cruise aboard the Tahoe Queen. However, I frequent Blue Angle Café on Ski Run Blvd. the most – great spot for an espresso or a beer, burger or salad- they have it all.

Blue: What's an inside scoop that you could tell a new visitor to the South Shore?
Gallup: The fall is an absolute great time to come to Tahoe. There are great lodging packages at Zephyr Cove and other South Shore properties and other good deals to take advantage of in town. Stay at Zephyr Cove in one of the lakeside cabins, and cruise with us. It’s a classic Tahoe experience and the summer crowds are gone.